MCKAY GETS LION'S SHARE OF STRIKERS' VICTORY

FORT LAUDERDALE -- It's hard to call the Fort Lauderdale Strikers offseason coupling with Orlando Lions a merger. It was more like the dissolution of the Lions franchise, leaving little for the Strikers to choose from.

The Strikers got only one player from Orlando, but that player, midfielder Andrew McKay has made the deal worthwhile.

With left fullback Steve Pittman serving a red card suspension, McKay scored two goals to lead the Strikers to a 2-1 win over Tampa Bay before 4,113 fans in the home opener at Lockhart Stadium. McKay moved from midfield to Pittman's position, and like Pittman, found lots of space and scoring opportunities.

"It must be something about that position," Strikers coach Thomas Rongen said.

McKay picked his spots when going forward, and on both goals snuck in behind the defense to the far post.

"All the players concentrate on the ball," McKay said, "and if you can switch the ball quickly, that position can go forward. If everyone is caught watching the ball, I can be wide open."

At best, Rongen figured McKay to be an able substitute this season. McKay, nicknamed "Yogi," showed up a a Strikers preseason practice and asked to try out. He leads the team in scoring with three goals and two assists.

"He's not a player we were counting on," Rongen said. "He walked into practice and said, 'Can I put my boots on and get a shot?' He's a diamond in the rough."

Before he was even asked about his performance, McKay, a quiet, unassuming type, said, "Unreal.

"This season has been sheer luck. I've been in the right place at the right time."

Both of McKay's goals were set up by forward John Maessner, who was a nightmare for Tampa left fullback Tom Reasoner. Twice Maessner outran Reasoner to the touch line and sent crosses to McKay. McKay scored on a right-footed volley at 13:56 for a 1-0 lead, then nudged home the game-winner at 64:35.

"I couldn't miss those two," McKay said. "I learned the first game John can get the ball across on anybody."

The two assists made three missed goal opportunities easier for Maessner to stomach. He had a header go wide, a shot in the box go over the bar, and was stopped by Tampa Bay goalie Winston DuBose from eight yards.

"He couldn't buy a goal tonight," Rongen said. "But he gets by people and sets other people up."

Tampa struggled to connect its passes until the final 15 minutes of the first half, when the Rowdies attempted nine of their 14 shots. Rowdies midfielder Perry Van Der Beck tied it 1-1 at 35:18 when he volleyed a drop pass from David Byrne and beat Strikers goalie Arnie Mausser from 25 yards.